Ryan Reynolds publicly celebrated his wife Blake Lively on Mother's Day, sharing an emotional tribute that comes just days after she resolved a high-profile legal battle with her former co-star.
The 49-year-old actor took to his Instagram Stories on Sunday, May 10, to honor Lively with a touching message accompanied by photos of the couple together. The post arrived one week after Lively, 38, and Justin Baldoni, 42, reached a settlement in their contentious lawsuit, which had been scheduled to go to trial on Monday, May 18.
"I appreciate this mother beyond measure," Reynolds wrote in text overlaid on the images. "She is kind. She is fearless. She's the absolute love of my life — and to our four little kids, she's the life of their love." The couple shares daughters James, 11, Inez, 9, and Betty, 6, along with their youngest child, son Olin, 2.
The timing of Reynolds' public support carries particular significance given the recent conclusion of Lively's legal dispute. The actress had filed a lawsuit against Baldoni on December 31, 2024, alleging sexual harassment, a hostile work environment, and claims that he orchestrated a smear campaign against her during and after their collaboration on the film It Ends With Us. Baldoni, who served as both co-star and director on the project, repeatedly denied these allegations and filed his own countersuit, which was subsequently dismissed.
The two parties worked together from 2023 to 2024 ahead of the film's release in August 2024. Their out-of-court settlement was finalized on Monday, May 4, averting what would have been a closely watched trial.
Reynolds set his Mother's Day tribute to the song "Sweet Disposition" by Temper Trap, creating an intimate moment shared with his millions of followers. The Deadpool & Wolverine star's message emphasized not only his admiration for his wife but also her role as a devoted mother to their children.
Lively also marked the occasion by honoring her own mother, Elaine Lively, through her Instagram Stories. "Happy Mother's Day to the woman who chooses joy, every day, no matter what," the Simple Favor actress wrote alongside a photograph of her mother. "The strength and defiance in that is something I'll always appreciate, especially the older I get. She makes every day special for everyone around her. Especially her babies and grandbabies."
In her tribute, Lively continued to praise her mother's influence: "She isn't just beautiful, she creates beauty, with her hands, her stories, her playfulness, her creativity, her incredible ingenuity and her love. I'm so grateful, now and forever to have been shaped by your heart full of love, optimism and magic. You make the ordinary extraordinary. I love you. Thank you mama."
The settlement between Lively and Baldoni was announced through a joint statement released by their attorneys. "The end product — the movie It Ends With Us — is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life. Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors — and all survivors — is a goal that we stand behind," the statement read. "We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard."
The statement further emphasized their shared commitment to professional workplace standards: "We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online."
Throughout the legal proceedings, Reynolds remained steadfast in his support of his wife. During an appearance on Today on April 19, he spoke with journalist Willie Geist about the situation, stating unequivocally: "I'll just say, I've never in my life been more proud of my wife."
The resolution of the lawsuit allows both parties to move forward from what had become an increasingly public and contentious dispute. For Lively and Reynolds, the Mother's Day tributes signal a return to celebrating family and the values that have defined their relationship throughout their years together.
